The world has changed. A global pandemic, the rise of Black Lives Matter and social justice movements, and the intensifying climate crisis have altered how we live and work. This includes the theatrical industry. These changes, however, have been happening while theaters have been closed. It’s been an opportunity for us to reflect and look critically at our own industry. As live performance returns, it is crucial that theatre makers address how these issues affect our process of theatre making. We are re-opening in a new era, it’s not the world of 2019, this is 2021.

By Matthew Stern at Broadway Stage Management Symposium.

The world has changed. A global pandemic, the rise of Black Lives Matter and social justice movements, and the intensifying climate crisis have altered how we live and work. This includes the theatrical industry. These changes, however, have been happening while theaters have been closed. It’s been an opportunity for us to reflect and look critically at our own industry. As live performance returns, it is crucial that theatre makers address how these issues affect our process of theatre making. We are re-opening in a new era, it’s not the world of 2019, this is 2021.

By Matthew Stern at Broadway Stage Management Symposium.

The world has changed. A global pandemic, the rise of Black Lives Matter and social justice movements, and the intensifying climate crisis have altered how we live and work. This includes the theatrical industry. These changes, however, have been happening while theaters have been closed. It’s been an opportunity for us to reflect and look critically at our own industry. As live performance returns, it is crucial that theatre makers address how these issues affect our process of theatre making. We are re-opening in a new era, it’s not the world of 2019, this is 2021.

By Matthew Stern at Broadway Stage Management Symposium.

During 2020, we experienced historical challenges that cannot be understated. A global pandemic, intense political division, a rising social justice movement, and the closing of theaters across the country, have made 2020 the most taxing and difficult year I have ever known. As I look back over the grueling months of shutdown, this cock-eyed optimist sees some positive takeaways. So here’s the top 10 lessons from 2020 about stage management and theatre. 

When we start looking at “re-opening” our economy, there is a lot to unpack and figure out. When you look specifically at show business, it gets even more complicated. We work in an environment that requires close contact, touching, even kissing. We share tight quarters, eat, drink, and sometimes live together (anyone ever do a bus and truck tour?).

There are many front of house issues that need to be addressed, but as a stage manager, I’ve been ruminating on what adjustments we may need to make behind the curtain in order to re-open in a responsible and functional way which is no easy task!

The ten items below are food for thought. It's not a top ten list, but rather, ten ideas for how we can return to work in the theatre in the COVID era. I’m not a healthcare professional, but as a stage manager, these ten ideas are top of mind to care for our company and get the best show possible onstage every night.

Let’s dive in and see what COVID life backstage could look like: